Title: Ascension
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0.4
In: Men of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Nick wants a fight, and I want to give him one.

Clay’s point of view of Jeremy’s ascension to Alpha.

I’d always wondered how Jeremy became Alpha. It’s obvious that although he is capable of fighting, he often choices not to pursue the past time. It was also difficult to understand how such a reportedly horrifying and devious character, such as Malcolm, ever had a chance of claiming power over a group that I very quickly fell in love with throughout Bitten. Ascension tells that story, alongside more tales of Clay’s teenage years and, even, the creation of his terrifying reputation amongst the Mutts.

Power struggles and negotiations occur in every aspect of our lives, in animal groups and packs (such as wolf packs), the knowledge of this is much stronger. Therefore, it is easy to conceive that a group of people who are half man, half wolf would be almost obsessed with hierarchy, power and dominance. For characters like Clay, who is more wolf than human, this is an easy aspect of his nature to claim and embrace. However, in Jeremy’s case, it is a constant battle to balance the two halves of his nature. Whilst he doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove his dominance like others, he also has the drive to protect those he considers family. Yet, this protection comes at a cost. In naturally occurring wolf societies, the strong protect the weak, and the weak obey the strong, this is obvious within Jeremy’s every action. Protecting and caring for the weak and the family is the most important aspect of his life, and it is this power play that leads to the rollercoaster ride of emotions in Ascension.

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Savage
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0.3
In: Men of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: In…” Malcom glanced at his watch.

Savage is about Jeremy Danvers finding Clay.

I just LOVED finding out the story behind Clayton’s transformation into a werewolf. The dry wit and humour that characterises him throughout Elena’s tales in The Women of the Otherworld series shines beautifully from the pages of this novella. Clay’s voice shows us that our preconceptions of people can be wrong – from the very moment he is intelligent and cunning, combining this childish mind with that of a wolf made him a slightly awkward and successful predator from the age of seven. Even if he was unable to physically show his prowess to others who were far bigger and more terrifying.

The break down of this novella into short chapters helped to give the entire story flow. It also broke up the time through which Clayton’s trust and dedication to Jeremy was built. Where I didn’t understand this level of devotion in the greater Women of the Otherworld novels, Clayton’s childhood (pre- and post-wolf) finally helped me to see why he chose to effectively become his alpha’s shadow. His loyalty and slight quirks are so beautifully explained throughout this story, and where some of his actions towards Elena later can be seen as possessive and indications of an abusive relationship, in the light of Clayton’s upbringing and absorption into the Pack, they can be understood. The depth of his love and regard for those he considers his is seen through his own, unassuming eyes. And honestly, it’s this loyalty (and incredible dry wit and humour) that makes Clay my favourite Women of the Otherworld man.

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Infusion
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0.2
In: Men of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Malcolm’s fists clenched.

About Jeremy’s mother and Jeremy’s conception.

I never quite understood throughout the Women of the Otherworld stories just why Jeremy’s father was so horrific – what it was that could turn a father so completely against his child. Yes, it sets up the character and storyline beautifully, but the rationale behind such a horrid creature has long fascinated me. And, finally, parts of Jeremy’s heritage and Malcolm’s rage are bought to light in this stunning short story. Although it is guaranteed to leave a sour taste in your mouth.

Although Infusion doesn’t completely explain Jeremy’s mysterious allure and powers, there are so many hints throughout. Likewise, his similarity to his grandfather and the incredible strength of his mother are highlighted in a way that makes it easy to understand the serious and contemplative man who he becomes. I love origin stories in general, and none can harken back to a character’s origin more succinctly than that of their very conception and birth.

Image source: Goodreads